Tips to Help Your Dog Enjoy Chew Treats and Chew Toys

Dogs love to chew on things. In fact, chewing is a natural canine behavior. Providing appropriate chew treats and chew toys can be rewarding for the dog and may prevent or eliminate possible destructive chewing behavior. Chewable treats/toys are designed to provide that important, natural chewing activity that dogs love. If the chew treat/toy has other benefits, such as oral care, that’s even better.

Here are some tips for you and your dog to keep chew treats and chew toys a safe and healthy activity:

Tip #1: There is some risk of digestive tract obstruction with ANY type of chew treat or chew toy. Safety is always a concern when a dog chews. Many natural objects such as sticks, rocks, bones and other assorted objects can get stuck in their throats or intestines. As a dog owner, you are ultimately responsible to monitor your dog closely to make certain that the chew treat is chewed well.

Tip #2: Chew treats and chew toys should be sized appropriately for your dog. In other words, your dog should not be given a chew treat/toy that could be swallowed whole. Packages should indicate the appropriate size dog for the chew treat/toy. If in doubt, ask your retailer or contact the manufacturer.

Tip #3: Observe your dog play with the chew toy or eat the chew treat. With the chew treat your dog should gnaw on it with the side teeth and swallow pieces of the edible chew. Since dogs don’t have the same crushing molars that humans have, they will “slice” off pieces with the side teeth. Many dogs will hold the treat in their paws or simply move it from side to side in their mouth as they chew off small pieces.

Tip #4: If your dog has a history of ingesting foreign objects such as rocks, sticks or toys, you may not want to give him or her chew treats/toys at all. Try edible biscuits, instead.

Tip #5: Watch for choking, excessive drooling, vomiting, poor appetite, lethargy, and abnormal bowel movements. If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary care sooner rather than later!

Tip #6: When in doubt about what is appropriate for your dog, contact your veterinarian. He or she can offer professional advice.

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